Erickson purchases Shunk building

Thursday

Aug 1, 2013 at 2:00 PM

By Scott Brand

With the purchase of the Shunk Furniture building officially inked on Wednesday, Erickson Appliance and Furniture has cleared the way for an upcoming merger with Art Van in preparation for a grand opening later this year.

Erickson Appliance and Furniture Founder Keith Erickson said the store will remain open at its current location until merchandise can be moved and set up at the old Shunk Building. He explained the move was necessary because “our building cannot be opened up the way Art Van wants it opened up,” due to the constraints imposed on the current home from periodic additions built on over the years.

The merger marks the first foray for Art Van in the Upper Peninsula, said Erickson although plans are in the works for a second facility over in Marquette.

“We will have all of Art Van’s furniture and pricing, the same as in the corporate stores,” said Erickson vowing to maintain the same product and service that local customers have enjoyed over the years.

The grand opening for Art Van and Erickson Appliance is tentatively slated for November.

The current Erickson site will remain operational until merchandise is moved out and then will go up for sale.